Learning to be a do-it-yourself mechanic...
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,390
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Learning to be a do-it-yourself mechanic...
I'm thinking I'd like to learn to do more of the work on my cars. I don't really have any friends that know enough about it to show me anything. Is it best to just grab a service manual and go from there, or would you recommend going to a formal trade school or what? This would be strictly for hobby type work, not for a profession. Any advice?
Thanks :seeya
[Modified by 2k Monster, 4:27 PM 10/14/2001]
Thanks :seeya
[Modified by 2k Monster, 4:27 PM 10/14/2001]
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 4,798
Likes: 2
From: Norman Oklahoma
Cruise-In III Veteran
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Learning to be a do-it-yourself mechanic... (2k Monster)
1. Read about any job your going to do first. (service manuals and forum)
2. Ask questions here.
3. Don't be afraid of it.
4. Screw it up the first time so you'll know the best way to do it over. j/k :D
:cheers:
2. Ask questions here.
3. Don't be afraid of it.
4. Screw it up the first time so you'll know the best way to do it over. j/k :D
:cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 1
From: Newland US
Re: Learning to be a do-it-yourself mechanic... (2k Monster)
2k Monster,
Do lots of reading and acquire appropriate manuals for the vehicle in question.
Then buy a clunker to experiment on. You can take stuff apart and put it back together.....whether there is something wrong with it or not. At some point ya gotta put the books aside and get your hands greasy.
If you find you are still interested after a few months then it may be time to start investing in some good quality tools.....not necessarily professional grade...not at this stage anyway.
If you can find a bud who shares your interest in learning maybe you could work out someway to share the expenses of the learning process......sharing of the various automotive tools required.
Finally, if the interest is still there maybe there is an automotive repair class offered in the evenings at a local campus.
Good luck.
Mark
Do lots of reading and acquire appropriate manuals for the vehicle in question.
Then buy a clunker to experiment on. You can take stuff apart and put it back together.....whether there is something wrong with it or not. At some point ya gotta put the books aside and get your hands greasy.
If you find you are still interested after a few months then it may be time to start investing in some good quality tools.....not necessarily professional grade...not at this stage anyway.
If you can find a bud who shares your interest in learning maybe you could work out someway to share the expenses of the learning process......sharing of the various automotive tools required.
Finally, if the interest is still there maybe there is an automotive repair class offered in the evenings at a local campus.
Good luck.
Mark
Racer
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: Crystal Lake IL
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Learning to be a do-it-yourself mechanic... (HiRiser)
Be sure to check out http://www.howthingswork.com. They have a great Automobile section with a lot of interactive content. It is a good way to grasp some of the concepts.
- Charley
- Charley
Drifting
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,679
Likes: 23
From: Newark CA
Re: Learning to be a do-it-yourself mechanic... (HiRiser)
There is no need to go to a trade school. If there is something like an adult-school class you can take, that would be good. I suggest you buy some good hand tools, either Craftsman, Snap-On, or some other brand name. Get metric and English socket sets and wrenches, torx drivers, screwdrivers, and pliers. Start with a simple project, like installing a new shifter or lowering the suspension (no bushing cutting). Try to stay away from electrical projects unless you have some experienced help. Fried electrical wires and components can be expensive to replace. Once you build some experience and confidence, you can tackle more difficult projects. Except for welding, I have done all the changes on my car by myself.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,940
Likes: 5
From: Chesapeake VA
Re: Learning to be a do-it-yourself mechanic... (bparker)
I don't know about you guys, but my local Corvette Club (Beachcombers, Va Beach, VA) hosts "Tech Nights" were they take a part of a car (always a Vette), or someone who needs some work done, and they make an evening of showing all you attend how the repair/replacment/upgrade goes. They talk about upgrades and options. Tech nights are my favorite part of the club. There are two guys in the club who seem to know everything there is to know about Chevys, their amazing. So far I have been to tech nights on Front wheel bearing replacement, Rear diferential rebuilding, Small block chevy assembly (crank and piston install, an awesum night - I never knew how much there was to talk about the block itself), and C3 door spring install. Plus, who ever is hosting, provides food while you learn. They feed you and they teach you, what more can you ask for!?!?!?! You might want to see if your local club does something similar.